As is perhaps appropriate for an act called Unknown Hinson ("Named after his father...on his birth certificate: Mama -- Miss Hinson, Daddy -- Unknown"), the press biography is pure fiction, while the press photo depicts a person who appears to be a cross between a 1950s country & western star and a vampire. Indeed, Hinson makes that combination explicit in "I Make Faces (When I Make Love)," pronouncing Dracula "Drackler," and singing, "Belly Lugosi and Boris and Lon/Made women scream when they come on/I tell you right where they went wrong/They couldn't sing a country western song." Unknown Hinson can, however, if in an exaggerated manner. In his fruity accent, "women" comes out "wuhmerns." But, of course, this is country comedy music, full of vulgar references to sexual relations (albeit without obscenities), as Hinson sings about inflatable dolls ("Polly Urethane"), "Lingerie," homosexuality ("Your Man..."), and sex-change operations ("Man to Man"). Now and then, he moves from twangy country to rock rhythms and screaming guitar solos, if only to send up rock culture ("Hippie Girl," "Rock 'n Roll Is Straight From Hell").
A year after recording his 1977 debut album Fundamental Roll, New York City native turned California rocker Walter Egan, found himself back in the studio once again joining forces with Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham (producer) and Stevie Nicks (background vocals). The winning combination of the Egan, Buckingham, and Nicks on Not Shy proved it's potency by giving Egan one of the biggest smash hits of 1978, "Magnet & Steel" which peaked at # 8 on the Billboard charts. Much like it's predecessor Fundamental Roll, Not Shy oozes sexy summertime California pop rock complete with an impeccable production and Egan's knack for writing catchy fun-loving romantic lyrics. Which again is best exemplified on "Magnet & Steel", a 50's doo-wop style ballad in which Egan's warm laid-back soulful voice melts with Buckingham and Nick's angelic background vocals. While the remaining nine tracks on Not Shy may not come close to the magic of "Magnet & Steel" most are as equally memorable. After listening to the record it's a mystery why such tracks as "Blonde in The Blue T-Bird" (featuring Dean Torrance of Jan & Dean fame on background vocals) and "Finally Find A Girlfriend" didn't give Egan any follow up hits. Stylistically Not Shy exhibits a bit of sleeker pop-rock approach than the more straight-up country rock of Fundamental Roll but at the same time still maintains a good dose of classic country rock twang. Like Fundamental Roll, Not Shy is a lost 70s treasure and is highly recommend listening for both fans of Fleetwood Mac and goodtime Southern California rock in general.
in the heyday of dixieland music when the band played " oh, didn't he ramble" somebody had died.
at the royal casino lounge when the band plays the same tune, everybody comes alive. the tune, it's origins lost in dixieland tradition, gets a special treatment in this recording and is included in the album at the request of royal inn casino owner michael gaughan, who as much as any man is responsible for the success of the royal dixie jazz band.
now in it's third year at the royal inn, and with one successful record album behind it, charles "chuck" diamond's aggregation of talented musicians pulls out all the stops creating what can only be described as a perfect blending o the royal dixie jazz band's famous ensemble technique with specialties by it's individual musicians. the album you hold now belongs to you. it will bring a portion of an afternoon at the royal inn casino lounge into your home --- any time you want to play it. each member of the band with the exception of diamond is features on at least one song.
